Gun & Prepping News #53

Just some gun and prepping related links that I thought interesting or useful:  

• "Best Concealed Carry Guns In 2025 [Field Tested]"--Gun Digest. The author of this July 2025 article makes the following picks:

•     Overall Pick: Sig P365
•     Runner-Up: Springfield Hellcat
•     Best High-end Carry: Wilson Combat EDC X9
•     Best Classic Carry: Glock 19
•     Best Budget: PSA Dagger
•     Best Carry Revolver: Ruger LCR in .327 Federal Magnum
•     Best .357 Magnum: Ruger LCRx 3-Inch
•     Best .380 ACP: Ruger LCP MAX
•     Best Easy To Manipulate: Smith & Wesson Equalizer
•     Best Backwoods Carry: Glock 20

As you can see, all but the revolvers, the Ruger LCP, and Glock 20 are 9 mm. I wish he'd had a separate category for pocket pistols.

    I don't agree with all these picks--for instance, I think the Glock 26 is a better "classic carry" for true concealed carry than the 19.  I've also discovered as I've gotten older, that smaller and lighter handguns are easier to carry concealed all day long; and lighter guns are much more pleasant to shoot in .380 (or other small calibers) than 9 mm. Some of the handguns listed above are available in .380, though: the Sig 365 is offered in a .380 model; Springfield has recently released a .380 version of the Hellcat; and S&W's Shield EZ is similar to the Equalizer and offered in .380. 

    I also don't necessarily think a 10 mm is the best backwoods carry gun for most people. A lot of people think that it is a good substitute for .44 Magnum, but it is more in the power range of 9 mm +P and .357 Magnum. If you are in Alaska or an area with lots of grizzlies, it might make more sense than 9 mm; but as Dean Weingarten has documented, most any caliber handgun can be used to successfully stop a bear attack, although the bullet material can help. 

    The other issue is that people are not assessing their risk. I've not spent a huge amount of time in the woods--certainly not as much as many outdoorsman--but I've lived in Idaho my whole life and done my share of hiking, camping, and hunting, and I've never seen a bear or mountain lion in the wild. I was talking to a friend the other day about this--someone who also grew up in Idaho--and he said the same thing. The largest predators we have seen in the wild are coyotes. Now, Idaho is overall very game poor compared to states in the Midwest or East, so I expect the odds of running into a bear of some sort is probably higher in those states, but what is the real risk? I suspect that the reality is that a 9 mm or .38 Special +P with hard cast bullets would probably serve you just as well and could be carried in smaller, lighter weapon. And that being said, the S&W Model 317 "kit gun" in .22 LR is, I understand, the most popular handgun with hikers (at least those that carry firearms) and these are people that spend a lot of time in the outdoors. 

• Speaking of light weight revolvers: "Lightweight Powerhouse: Smith & Wesson 638 Airweight Review"--GRITR.  The 638 is the aluminum J-frame model featuring the shrouded hammer allowing you to shoot either double action or single action, but without the exposed hammer to catch on your clothes or in a pocket--what S&W used to call the "Bodyguard". The author concludes:

    Overall, I really enjoyed the model 638 Air Weight revolver. Its practical application is timeless due to its reliability and simplistic operation as with any revolver compared to semi-autos. If the hammer drops and the cartridge fails to fire, rather than going through a complex system of tap, rack, fire, drop magazines, rack, load, rack and fire again, the end user simply pulls the trigger once again and first another round. Where the model 638 really shines unto its own is the lightweight carry and clean lines that resist snagging on clothing during the draw. As I found with both the Safariland holster and Gun Sox, all day carry and quick, efficient movements to put the pistol into action are easily accomplished without issue.

    If you need to run to the store at night once you have already gotten home, out of your work clothes and into your favorite sweat pants, this would be good choice as well. Rather than needing to change into jeans and belt with your daily carry holster, you can simply drop the model 638 in a jacket pocket and head out. Its advantage over a small semi-auto pistol comes in the event you must shoot from concealment. If it were a semi-auto, the first shot would fire and then the slide would more than likely become stuck or catch inside your pocket. The 638’s action revolves the cylinder inside its frame and can offer continuous fire from inside the close quarters of the newly ventilated jacket pocket. 

• "The 'Holy Grail of Forensic Investigation': Scientists Recover Fingerprints from Spent Bullet Casings For the First Time"--The Debrief. I've always assumed that this was possible, but the article relates:

A common issue investigators face is the recovery of fingerprints from bullet casings because biological trace evidence, such as the oil from human skin contact, is often destroyed by the gases, high temperatures, and friction that occur after a gun is fired. Criminals will sometimes abandon their weapons or shell casings at crime scenes, with no fingerprint evidence left behind.

But, as the article describes in more detail, researchers have "successfully created an electrochemical method using specialized polymer combinations to visualize latent fingerprints on brass surfaces."

 The test holds a lot of promise, but to pass muster—especially in a court of law where guilt and innocence can hang in the balance—more rigorous validation and testing are required. Still, the researchers believe their technique could extend beyond firearms to other metallic surfaces, expanding forensic applications from firearm-related crimes to arson investigations.

• "LCP II Hogue Handall Grip Sleeve"--The Tactical Professor. If you are having difficulty getting a good tight grip on a small handgun, this product might help. Hogue makes them for other firearms--I bought one for my Glock 43X--now if only I can it to fit over the grip!
• "Century Arms CA-3 in 7.62x51: Full Review"--Guns & Ammo. A review of Century Arms version of the H&K G3 using a mixture of U.S. and surplus parts, with an MSRP of $999 which is a pretty good deal for that type of firearm. A lot of people prefer the FAL, but it probably depends on where you live as to which one works best. The Israeli's, for instance, dumped the FAL because it didn't play well in the deserts where they operated, but I've heard that the roller delay system used in the CETME/H&K rifles can have problems in humid jungle environments. And, in that regard,  it is notable that the G3 seems to have been popular throughout the Near- and Middle-East; whereas the FAL was more favored in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. 
• "Duty Holster Roundup"--Shooting Illustrated.  The author explains:

In the holster world, duty holsters are worn openly on a duty belt or battle belt. The idea is that such a holster keeps the pistol protected from the elements via the body of the holster while also making it difficult for unauthorized users to grab the pistol away from the wearer. In addition to protecting the gun from the elements or would-be aggressors, the majority of contemporary duty holsters also holster guns with mounted red-dot sights and tactical pistol lights.

He then briefly examines some contemporary duty holsters: the Safariland 6000 series; Mission First Tactical Guardian Duty Holster; Alien Gear Rapid Force Duty Level III Holster; Falco Duty Holsters; and the BlackPoint Tactical Slick Duty Holster. Note that you probably be paying around $200 for most of these. But if you are going to be openly carrying a firearm, it it cheaper than having someone snatch from your holster, or lose it if you slide down the side of a gully. 

• "Guns of the Cold War: MEUSOC M45 1911"--Shooting Wire. The author begins:

 While the Beretta M9 was the service pistol that finished out the Cold War for the conventional forces of the United States, not all of the units turned in their old 1911s for the new Italian wonder-nines. During the late 1970s into the 1980s there were Special Operations units that had the latitude to do just about anything that they wanted to with their service pistols. Unlike conventional military armorers who never changed parts on an M1911A1 until something broke, the Special Operations units had armorers dedicated to fine tuning and improving the existing war stock of .45 ACP pistols.

• "The Development Of MIM Cartridge Cases"--American Rifleman. MIM stands for metal injected molding. Concurrent Technologies Corporation has developed the technology to produce firearms cases using MIM that are stronger, lighter, and more dimensional precise than traditional brass. 

    “One of the key advantages of the MIM process is the precision of the dies, which allow us to form cases to near-net shape with exceptional repeatability. This precision is what gives MIM cases their superior accuracy potential. We can precisely engineer and tightly control the interior case geometry, resulting in very consistent ballistic performance with low standard deviations and excellent accuracy.”

    As for strength, the company has successfully tested the cases up to 100,000 p.s.i. “It's important to note that these extreme pressures aren't suitable for conventional weapon systems not designed for such loads,” he cautioned. “However, we’ve demonstrated that a drop-in MIM cartridge replacement can achieve 10-20 percent performance increases in existing weapon systems without modification.”

    The fact that cases will be reloadable up to 10 times or more also came as a surprise. They are also recyclable. Plus, policing is quick and easy on the firing line using magnetic tools.

It seems that bi-metallic cases may already be obsolete. 

• "Creedmoor Sports, CMP Partner on New .30-06 Match Ammo for the M1 Garand"--Shooting Sports USA. What we today would consider full power .30-06 ammunition intended to be used in bolt action hunting rifles can be too high of pressure to use in a the M1 Garand without risking damage to the operating rod. Thus, this is match ammunition intended for the M1 Garand. The author notes that the expense of it is probably such that you won't want to use it through a standard M1 Garand you might have as a collector's item or a range toy--it's really intended for those who have replaced their old barrels with new, match grade barrels. But even shooting it through is "as issued" Garand, the author reported that it tightened up his groups.
• "3D Printed Submachine Gun (Brazil)"--Impro Guns. Photo at the link. Very nice looking.
• "Shooting 101: Handgun-Mounted Lights & Lasers"--Athlon Outdoors. This is a very brief overview of the subject, but it might give you some ideas if you are thinking of mounting a laser or light on a handgun. One word of advice: find a holster for your selected pistol and look at what options are available for the lights and then pick one of those--otherwise, you may buy a light and discover that you can't find a holster to work with it.
• Of course, rather than lasers, most people are opting for a red dot optic for a handgun: "Vortex Venom Enclosed Emitter — Review"--The Truth About Guns. Here's one that is not going to cost as much as your pistol, with the author indicating that it runs around $200. 
• "Optics 101: MILs vs. MOA"--Tactical Wire.  From the article:

    The primary focus of this Optics 101 article focuses (sorry) on the units of measure scopes use. Either of the two primary types can be used effectively as long as you understand them and can put them to work in the field. There are many myths surrounding the two units of measure, but it’s not that complicated. Let’s define them so you can choose the best one for how you shoot.

    To start, most users are familiar with optics that utilize ¼ minute of angle (MOA) adjustments at 100 yards. However, milliradians (MILs), which are typically divided into 1/10 increments, are gaining popularity. In simple terms, MOA and MILS are two different methods of dividing a circle.

• "Boddington's Take: .30-06 Springfield Cartridge"--Guns & Ammo.  Some history of the cartridge and discussion on why it is still a great hunting cartridge. And this: 

 Best-known for championing the .270 Winchester, gunwriting great Jack O’Connor (1902-1978) had just three all-time-favorite cartridges: 7x57 Mauser; his beloved .270; and the .30-06. Although he never exactly said this in print, I have O’Connor letters where he conceded the .30-06 was “more versatile” than the .270.

• "The FN 5.7 as a Survival Round"--American Hunter. The author was testing out the concept of having a common cartridge for both a handgun and long gun. His test weapons were the Sub2000 Gen 3 for the long arm and the PR57 pistol (the one with the internal, non removable box magazine). Unfortunately, the author does not really answer the question of whether the 5.7 is a good survival round. He notes that it is certain ballistically superior to the .22 Magnum, but also more expensive. It is softer shooting and more accurate than the 9mm in his testing. And the Sub2000's ability to fold up for storage or carrying in a pack would be useful. 
• "Your Rifle Needs a Bayonet"--The New Rifleman. He gives some reasons including this:

 First, it serves as a psychological motivation for people to keep away from you.  Occasionally, pointing guns at people does not seem to have an effect.  I know a man who spent time in the military over in Iraq and he commented that he could point a gun and angrily shout commands, but when he reached for his knife people started to take him seriously. Why is that?  I think it’s because most people have not been shot, but everyone has been cut or stabbed by something at some point in their lives.  Most of us understand blades at a much deeper psychological level than we do bullets. If a mob rushes upon you to do violence, a gun pointed at them may not deter them much if they don’t think you will use it (shooting it probably will), but if there’s a bayonet on the end of it, they will avoid it. If they rush you, you don’t have to take much action; they will be the ones injuring themselves. No one hates their own body, but cherishes it and cares for it. Nobody will willingly impale or cut themselves.  A bayonet is like barbed or razor wire for your person, clearly stating “STAY BACK”.  A group of friends all together with bayonets pointed outwards would be even better.  Your rifle needs a bayonet.  Your friends need bayonets too.
the classic. just look at it. a dangerous beauty. 

In World War II, the soldiers most likely to have bayonets mounted on their rifles where those riding guard on a supply truck full of food, and those guarding prisoners.  

• "Yes, You Should Bury a Gun"--The New Rifleman.  His reasoning is that by the time you find out that authorities are seizing or banning weapons, it may be too late. Make sure that it is either a firearm that has no paperwork or the paperwork is from a long time ago such that it is reasonable that the weapon may have been sold; make sure there are no photographs of it online or in the cloud as Google apparently stores images and serial numbers. He has some other thoughts and ideas, so read the whole thing. 
• "Niche Books That Preppers Need"--Organic Prepper. There are a lot of general prepping or homesteading books out there that either cover the basic information needed to survive a disaster or give a brief overview of myriad subjects, but as the author of this article points out, you often need more detailed instructions and information or to cover topics that might have been missed. She lists some of these niche books for topics such as storing food (covering everything from food storage, to canning, to butchering, to curing and preserving meats; medical knowledge; growing food; and self-reliant skills. 
• "Baitcasting vs Spinning Reel: Which One is Better?"--SHTF Preparedness.  The author helpfully explains:

    Baitcasters feature a rotating spool that’s attached to the top of the fishing rod. The spool then rotates when the handle on the side of the reel is turned. This process spools line onto the reel for you to cast with.

    Spinning reels, on the other hand, work differently. They are attached to the bottom of the fishing rod, and the spool does not rotate. A bail arm will rotate around the spool instead, spooling the line onto the spool.

He adds:

    Baitcasters are used for light spin fishing, surf casting, big game fishing, and anything in between! They are typically used in North America when anglers fish in freshwater for bass, and we often see this as lure casting for bass.

    Spinning reels also have a range of uses, from spin fishing and surfcasting to offshore fishing. However, these reels tend not to be used for heavy applications.

    For those looking to do big game fishing, you would be better suited to baitcasters that usually handle the heavier loads. 

• Another article with instructions on gutting a deer with some good illustrations and an embedded video: "How to Gut a Deer"--Meat Eater. 
• More: "How to Field Dress & Quarter a Deer"--Bowhunter Magazine.  
• More: "Field Dressing a Deer: Detailed Instructions"--Hunter-ed.com.
• More: "How to Field Dress a Deer, Step by Step"--Field & Stream. This one also discusses a "gutless" method.
• More: "How to Field Dress a Deer, Step by Step"--Outdoor Life. This one uses photographs instead of drawings like the other articles; and it also goes into a bit more detail on the tools and gear needed.
• "Hunting With The Ancient Atlatl"--Self-Reliance.com. Sometimes known as a spear caster, "[t]he atlatl is simply a small spear-throwing device that provides leverage to throw an approximately 5-foot-long dart as fast as 80 or 90 miles per hour. The dart is pushed by the atlatl, which acts as a lever. As such, the motion of the human arm is amplified and that amplification results in a deadly projectile." Also:

    Despite the atlatl’s perceived shortcomings, the weapon is seeing resurgence in use. There are several companies selling modern versions of historically inspired atatls, darts, and other atlatl equipment. The most popular is Bob and Cheryl Berg’s Thunderbird Atlatl (www.thunderbirdatlatl.com).

    Currently, target competitions and small game hunting using the atlatl are slowly growing in popularity and as evidenced by Missouri, some states are starting to recognize this weapon as a viable hunting method.

• "SHTF Stockpile Priorities: What Are You “Piling” For?"--Organic Prepper.  The author goes over 3 priorities: (i) avoid limited shelf life (he uses, as an example, Clorox bleach which breaks down after about a year); (ii) small items mainly for trade (he lists some items that would be useful for trade or bartering such as buttons and sewing supplies); and (iii) have for health and security, possibly for trade (i.e., items you need, but which might also be good for trade if you have a surplus such as iodized salt).
• "Scientists prepare for the next Carrington Event"--Popular Science.  From the article:

     Although a severe solar storm made headlines last year, a 166-year-old event still remains for the most powerful bombardment on record. In August 1859, what’s now known as the Carrington Event struck Earth with enough cosmic force to produce Northern Lights as far south as Central America while also frying early telegraph systems. The Carrington Event was bad enough almost two centuries ago, but such a powerful solar storm today could hobble a society reliant on electronics, global positioning systems, and telecommunications. 

    One of the biggest issues would be how the tens of thousands of satellites above our heads might respond. Currently, the ESA is readying the November 4 launch of Sentinel-1D, the first of two orbital payloads intended to provide a constant stream of surface imagery of the Earth. According to Sentinel-1D’s deputy spacecraft operations manager Thomas Ormston, there is currently only so much experts can do to protect that kind of multimillion dollar project.

     “Should such an event occur, there are no good solutions. The goal would be to keep the satellite safe and limit the damage as much as possible,” Ormston said in a statement.

•  "Sin City's shame: As tourists abandon Las Vegas, 1,500 forgotten 'Mole People' are left behind in rat-infested tunnels below the Strip"--Daily Mail. Sewers tunnels and storm drains have often been cited as impromptu shelters in the event of a nuclear attack. Here is an example of people living in those types of systems.